I’m certainly not a doctor, I know very little about medicine, and hardly anything about nutrition, but I do read a good bit, and I’ve learned something interesting I’d like to pass on to you. It’s about protein. Did you know that adults need about 50 grams of the nutrient a day to stay in the pink?

As an example of protein gram content in food, I found the following in some of Betsy Turner’s AARP chart on protein. One cup of chicken has 43 grams; 5 oz. of salmon, 42; 1 cup turkey, 41; 3 oz. roast beef, 26; 3 oz. ham, 18; 1 cup milk, 8; 1 large egg, 6; and 1/2 cup ice cream, 3.

I was somewhat disappointed Turner’s long list didn’t contain spinach. Most of us remember Popeye’s reaction to spinach when he was almost down and out. He’d devour a can of the product, and pronto: he was ready to take on the bad guys. Curiously I called our good friend Rosemary Ernest, who is very knowledgeable on food and nutrition, and she told me a cup of spinach has only about 3 grams of protein — but is a good health food.

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According to what I’ve read, it appears we need plenty of protein if we want to add meat to our bones and muscle to our bodies. Adequate protein intake plus a little daily exercise will go a long way in body buildup. Looking over the list for the most grams per serving, I find chicken “rules the roost” – and fortunately, it’s not an expensive food.

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A good many of us are familiar with “Joe the Plumber,” who has made national headlines, but our hero is “Beano the Plumber,” who has given us great service for over two decades. Mitchell “Beano” Prudhomme is a native New Iberian, 52 years old, a graduate of Senior High, married to Yvette Bernard of New Iberia, and they are the parents of two adult children, Rebekah and Mitch.

Beano has been at his job for 22 years, and works five days a week from “can to can’t.” He says, “I’m really blessed to have a job in this economy, and I can thank the good Lord that I’ve been busy every day from the first time I started my plumbing repair business.”

Eleven years ago, Beano took on an assistant – his sister, Sharon Touchet, and they make an efficient team. It’s amazing to watch how well organized they are – no repair problem appears too difficult for them. When the job is completed, they’re off to take care of other poor souls who need help. I’m glad they take care of us.

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Harriet and Jerry Shea recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I must say they still sparkle and are as cordial as ever. Around 350 members of their family and friends jam-packed the ultra-modern Cade Recreational Center where a 7-piece band blared away in a gala atmosphere.

It was all like a reunion for Helen and me for we ran into friends we hadn’t seen in ages. But besides greeting the honorees, we were anxious to contact their son Steve, who is a long time friend. We found him seated near the orchestra where he was having a ball. We finally made our way through his line of greeters, and managed to get a short, but nice, visit with him.

It was indeed an enjoyable affair, and we congratulate the Sheas and wish them the best for many, many years to come.

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I have a great regard for Pete Richardson, the football coach of the Southern Jaguars. I guess I’ve seen him on TV a hundred times or more giving passionate reports of his team’s activities. His body and soul appear to be wrapped up in each and every game. Richardson is said to be “old fashioned and bubbly,” and has been dubbed as a “southeastern Athletic Legend.” He’s been coaching the Jaguars for 17 years, has 5 championships to his credit, and has done well in Bayou Classics. Although the past few years were not that great, he is rather optimistic about the current season.

I get the feeling this fine man will never retire. If, and when, he gets real old and decrepit, I can visualize him asking to be rolled out on to the sideline in a wheelchair where he’ll try desperately to steer his team on to victory. Pete Richardson is a great, colorful competitor, and a credit to Louisiana sports.

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Recently, while my wife and I were returning from a supermarket, we were attacked by swarms of vicious mosquitoes. We were bitten several times. Disturbed by this unusual situation, I called Mr. Herff Jones, Parish Mosquito Control Director, who kindly explained what was happening.

Mr. Jones said we were being hit by floodwater mosquitoes that are the product of persistent daily rains and thunder showers. “We can’t spray while it rains,” he said, “and unfortunately, mosquitoes propagate while it rains. Currently, the hardest hit area lies between Lake Charles and Slidell. We’ll definitely spray every dry chance we get.”

Be careful, spray yourself when you’re exposed outside.

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Bertha Lorenzo Caviness, a sister-in-law by my first marriage, a widow of several decades, and a lifelong resident of Franklin, passed away. She was a fine, respected lady, who was very devoted to the welfare of the members of her family. Her niece, Sarah Belle Minor of Thibodaux said, “Aunt Bertha was the matriarch of our family.” I appreciated the great favor she did for me back in 1956 when she took care of my son, Morris, Jr., when I left for Brazil to build a carbon black plant. Around Christmastime in the past few years, we’d joke about which one of us would go first. Well, she’s gone, but knowing Bertha like I did, I feel reasonably sure the good Lord has provided a special place for her in the Great Beyond.

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How ‘bout dem LSU Tigers! In the Mississippi State game, Chad Jones’ TD run, and the Tigers’ goal line stand were sensational. –––And how ‘bout dem Saints! I think Drew Brees is the best quarterback in the NFL, and he is surrounded by excellent ball players. Barring any serious injuries, I believe this is the year when the “Saints will go marching in.”

Bye, bye